The Elephants in training in Rabat: Final adjustments before 2026 World Cup qualifying

Photo Credit: Ivorian Football Federation

EDITOR NOTE: This article is translated from the original written in French by Omar Chraibi for Pan-Africa Football.

Côte d'Ivoire is arriving in Morocco with a clear objective: to consolidate first place in Group F of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Staying at the Four Seasons Hotel in Rabat, the Elephants are in the best possible position for two crucial matches: first against Burundi on March 21 in Meknes, then against Gambia on March 24 at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

Coach Emerse Faé has named a squad of 23 players, whose arrival has been gradual. Franck Kessié, Willy Boly, Ibrahim Sangaré, Bayo Vakoun, and Simon Adingra were the first to arrive in the Moroccan capital on Sunday night. They were then joined by Emmanuel Agbadou, Sébastien Haller, Ousmane Diomandé, Yahia Fofana, Evann Guessand, Jean-Philippe Krasso, Hassane Kamara and Jean-Philippe Gbamin.

Sébastien Haller is back in the Ivorian selection after some time away due to struggles in his club career. Photo Credit: Ivorian Football Federation

The first training session took place under the direction of Faé at the facilities of Moroccan top flight club FUS Rabat. Nineteen players present in Abidjan participated in this one-hour session, before the squad was reinforced in the evening with the arrival of Mohamed Koné, Evan Ndicka and Mohammed Baba Diomandé. Goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangaré will be the last to join the squad.

Bad news for Hamed Junior Traoré, who was forced to withdraw after a shoulder injury sustained during the 26th matchday of Ligue 1 with AJ Auxerre against Nice. To compensate for his absence, Faé called upon Glasgow Rangers midfielder Mohammed Baba Diomandé, who is in great form after scoring his fourth goal of the season in the Scottish derby against Celtic.

With ten points from four matches, Côte d'Ivoire dominates its group and is looking to secure its place in the 2026 World Cup. It's worth noting that only the top team in each group qualifies directly, while the four best runners-up will have to go through a continental playoff and then a final intercontinental competition.

In a competitive group and full of confidence, the Elephants hope to collect valuable points in Morocco before returning to Abidjan to continue their qualifying campaign.